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“Some of the biggest lessons in my career came from being trusted with challenges I wasn't completely ready for. That's why I believe the most powerful learning happens when people are immersed in real business challenges rather than isolated learning environments,” says the Talent Director, Global Supply Chain International at Schneider Electric.
For Rosa Cano (pictured above), meaningful development rarely comes from staying within familiar boundaries. Instead, it comes from being trusted with challenges that stretch people beyond what they believe they are ready for — with the support, space, and confidence to learn along the way.
As Talent Director, Global Supply Chain International at Schneider Electric, Cano brings more than 14 years of HR experience across North America and Central America. She now supports more than 25 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Her expertise spans talent strategy, leadership development, succession planning, and organisational effectiveness. Across her career, she has seen how experience, experimentation, and support can build capability more effectively than knowledge alone.
Ahead of her session at Learning & Development Asia 2026, Singapore, Cano is set to share how organisations can build a future-ready workforce by making intentional decisions about the talent and capabilities they invest in today.
Read on for the full interview with Emily Chong-Gupta:
Q Which L&D principle has most influenced how you help others or yourself learn best?
I've never believed that people learn the most in a classroom. Some of the biggest lessons in my career came from being trusted with challenges I wasn't completely ready for. That's why I believe the most powerful learning happens when people are immersed in real business challenges rather than isolated learning environments.
Experience, experimentation, and support along the way create far more lasting capability than knowledge alone. As leaders, our role is to create the conditions for people to take on meaningful challenges, learn from setbacks, and grow with confidence.
Q Who has been a mentor or coach to you personally, and what is a timeless lesson they taught you?
Looking back, every meaningful career move I've made started with someone who saw more potential in me than I could see in myself. I've been incredibly fortunate to have coaches and mentors who challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, take on opportunities that felt bigger than I was ready for, and stay true to who I am throughout the journey. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.
Q What is an unexpected or interesting skill you have picked up that colleagues may not know about?
Swimming has become my reset button. It's where I disconnect from the pace of work, organise my thoughts, and challenge myself in a completely different way.
"Every lap reminds me that meaningful growth comes through consistency, not shortcuts."
Q In fewer than 10 words, what is your number one motto for helping people and teams grow?
We rise by lifting others.
Q A quick preview of your session at Learning & Development Asia: What is the one key takeaway you hope attendees will gain?
If attendees leave remembering just one thing, I hope it's this: the future of any business is shaped by the talent decisions we make today. Building a future-ready workforce isn't about predicting what's next — it's about intentionally identifying, developing, and investing in the people and capabilities that will matter most.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Emily Chong-Gupta. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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